This category will feature news releases from out-of-area government agencies and representatives, as well as events that are not taking place in the four-county area of Grant, Catron, Hidalgo or Luna. For local events please visit Local News Releases.

18th annual J. Paul Taylor Social Justice Symposium to focus on journalists

“Justice for Journalists” is the theme of the 2023 J. Paul Taylor Social Justice Symposium April 12-13. The event is free and will be open to the public both in-person and via video conferencing at New Mexico State University. The symposium will feature panels of journalists bringing to light national issues impacting treatment of journalists.

This year’s theme of 'Justice for Journalists' honors journalists for keeping us informed, providing an outlet for our voices, and functioning as a cornerstone of our democracy,” said Spencer Herrera, chair of the symposium and NMSU Spanish professor. “Their work is essential to social justice and we invite the community to learn more about journalism in the borderlands region.’  

The symposium will offer a special tribute to the late J. Paul Taylor, a revered New Mexico legislator and longtime educator who founded the symposium. Taylor recently passed away after celebrating his 102nd birthday last August. NMSU’s College of Arts and Sciences established the symposium in 2005 when Taylor suggested bringing resources of the university and community together to address areas of concern for underserved populations in the region.

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48-Hour Film Challenge and film workshops return to upcoming Las Cruces Film Festival

Showcase what you can create in just two days with the Las Cruces International Film Festival 48-Hour Film Challenge. Presented by the Creative Media Institute of New Mexico State University and LCIFF, the challenge aims to push your creativity to the limit and see what your team can do in a short amount of time.

Filmmakers from Las Cruces, El Paso and Juarez are encouraged to participate in the challenge. There is no age requirement or size limit to participating teams. Those interested can register now at no cost.

A mandatory safety meeting will kick off the challenge. Teams will meet at 6 p.m. Friday, April 7 in the Milton Hall Lobby. Participants will have 48 hours to write, shoot and edit a short film.

Once the 48 hours are up, teams will have to return the short film on a flash drive no later than 6 p.m. Sunday, April 9.

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Senator Craig Brandt Applauds Signing of "Glory's Law"

Legislation prohibits discrimination against transplant recipients based on disability

SANTA FE — Today, the Governor signed into law Senate Bill 71, sponsored by Senator Craig Brandt (R-Rio Rancho). The bill, also known as "Glory's Law," prohibits discrimination against transplant recipients based solely on their physical or mental disability.

Senator Brandt issued the following statement applauding the bill signing:

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Senator Crystal Diamond Applauds Signing of 'Children First' Custody Bill

SANTA FE — Senate Bill 107, sponsored by Senator Crystal Diamond (R-Elephant Butte) and Senator Daniel Ivey Soto (D-Albuquerque), was signed into law Wednesday by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. The bill amends the timeline for the Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) to file a petition from two days from the date of the petition to not more than three days after the child is taken into custody. Senate Bill 107 further stipulates that when a child has been taken into custody for a second time in six months, a department employee above the level of supervisor would be required to conduct a review to determine whether the child should be released to the child's caregiver.

Senator Diamond issued the following statement applauding the bill signing:

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Drug Enforcement Administration Announces Spring Take Back Day

El Paso, Texas – The Drug Enforcement Administration has announced the date of its 24th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. On Saturday, April 22, DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs.

For more than a decade, DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has helped Americans easily rid their homes of unneeded medications—those that are old, unwanted, or expired—that too often become a gateway to addiction.

Take Back Day offers free and anonymous disposal of unneeded medications at more than 4,000 local drop-off locations nationwide.

What: National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

When: Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time

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Senator Ron Griggs' Red Flag Prescribed Burn Ban Signed Into Law

SANTA FE — Senate Bill 21, sponsored by Senator Ron Griggs (R-Alamogordo), was signed into law late Tuesday by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. The bill aims to codify in law that prescribed burns are prohibited on days when a Red Flag wind warning has been issued.

Senator Griggs issued the following statement regarding the passage of his bill:

"I want to thank the Governor and my colleagues in the Senate and House who heard the cries of communities that have been devastated by out-of-control prescribed burns. Though the bill had a rough start, the legislature rallied around this cause to pass the bill with unanimous, bipartisan support, demonstrating our commitment to preventing the next devastating wildfire. I am proud to have sponsored this important step forward to better address how we manage our forests."

The New Mexico Film Office Announces Amazon Original Series “Outer Range” Season Two is Currently in Production in New Mexico

Santa Fe, NM - New Mexico Film Office Director Amber Dodson announced today that season two of the Amazon Original television series, “Outer Range,” has begun filming around Santa Fe and Las Vegas.

The production will employ over 2,000 New Mexicans – approximately 2,000 as background talent and 200-300 resident crew members. 

“Outer Range” is a Western family saga from Plan B Entertainment for Amazon Studios. The story centers around Royal Abbott, played by Oscar-nominee Josh Brolin (“Dune”), a rancher who discovers an unfathomable mystery at the edge of Wyoming's wilderness. “Outer Range" features an ensemble cast of award-winning and breakout talent, including Imogen Poots (“I Know This Much is True”), Lili Taylor (‘Perry Mason”), Tamara Podemski (“Four Sheet to the Wind”), Lewis Pullman (“Top Gun: Maverick”), Tom Pelphrey (“Ozark”), Noah Reid (“Schitt's Creek”), Shaun Sipos (“Reacher”), Isabel Arraiza (“The Little Things”), and Olive Abercrombie (“Haunting of Hill House”).

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NM SBDC April webinars

to view New Mexico SBDC webinars, click here 

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